Trade bodies aligned on training engineers

Three trade bodies have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a career path for motivated and inspired vehicle technicians.

The Freight Transport Association, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers will organise industry consultation reviews during 2012; aiming to produce a technical syllabus that is relevant to current industry needs but which also prepares technicians and technical managers for the future as new technology vehicles are incorporated into modern fleets.

Theo de Pencier, FTA’s chief executive, said: “Some vehicle operators are already experiencing excessive vehicle downtime due to a lack of higher-level engineers, emphasising the long overdue need to consult with the industry to provide a structured career path for premium technicians and fleet engineers. It is also important to start recognising and valuing these skills when acquired. Vehicle downtime is bad news for the supply chain, especially when the vehicles affected may be the newest and cleanest in the fleet.”